US Bridges

US 3 over Connecticut River

Fair

Coos County, New Hampshire · Pittsburg Tl · Structure no. 004800300006600

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
221 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,342
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 3 over Connecticut River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 3 over Connecticut River in Coos County, New Hampshire. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 94 years old, older than the New Hampshire average of 56.9 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,342 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,986 by 2043. The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 3
CrossesConnecticut River
LocationPittsburg Tl
RouteU.S. Route 3
CountyCoos County
StateNew Hampshire
Coordinates45.02098, -71.46403
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length221 ft (67.4 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,342 (2023)
Projected traffic1,986 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$314,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 3 over Connecticut River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is US 3 over Connecticut River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does US 3 over Connecticut River carry?

About 1,342 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 3 over Connecticut River?

The structure is 221 ft (67.4 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US 3 over Connecticut River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.